On Tuesday, representatives Brian Higgins (NY-27) and Kathy
Hochul (NY-26) announced $1.4 million in Environmental Protection Agency grants
awarded through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Recipients such as
the Research Foundation of SUNY-Buffalo State College will use the funds to
address invasive species in New York state.

"The Great Lakes is an underappreciated regional and
national asset, which contributes significantly to our economy and environment,"
said Higgins, a member of the Congressional Great Lakes Caucus. "According to
the Brookings Institution, Buffalo alone would see economic gains between $600
million to $1.1 billion if the Great Lakes are restored. Investments like
these move us closer to that goal."

"This funding is an important step in the cleanup and
restoration of our Great Lakes and surrounding ecosystems," Hochul said. "The
continued health of Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and other Western New York waters
is of critical importance to our economy, especially our tourism, recreation
and fishing industries. I will continue to support efforts to protect our
waterways as they are critical to the creation of jobs and economic growth in
Western New York."

In Congress, Higgins and Hochul have advocated for robust
funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The Initiative helps
New York state address invasive threats such as Hydrilla, a harmful aquatic
weed recently discovered across Western New York, including North Tonawanda and
the Finger Lakes.

These grants are among 21 invasive species grants awarded
this year through the EPA's Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, nationwide.
Recipients include The Nature Conservancy, Cornell University, the Research
Foundation of SUNY-Buffalo State College, Central Michigan University, and Paul
Smith's College of Arts & Sciences.